Pune Highway Protest After Child Rape Sparks Massive Traffic Disruption

Pune- A large-scale protest erupted in Pune after the brutal rape and murder of a four-year-old girl, with hundreds of demonstrators blocking the busy Mumbai–Bengaluru Highway for several hours, severely disrupting traffic movement.

The agitation took place near the Navale Bridge area, where grieving family members, along with local residents, staged a road blockade on Saturday evening. Protesters demanded the harshest possible punishment for the accused, a 65-year-old man who has been taken into custody in connection with the crime.

The highway remained jammed for nearly four hours as vehicles piled up on both sides, with visuals from the scene showing long queues and stranded commuters. Authorities later intervened to disperse the crowd and restore normal traffic flow.

According to police officials, the accused allegedly lured the child on Friday from a village in Pune district’s Bhor region. He is suspected to have taken her to a secluded cattle shed, where the crime occurred. The accused was later identified and arrested with the help of CCTV footage.

The victim’s last rites were conducted at the Vaikunt Crematorium late at night under tight police security.

A case has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. The accused has been remanded to police custody as the investigation continues.

Senior leaders, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, met the bereaved family and assured swift justice. She described the incident as deeply disturbing and emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring strict legal action.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde directed law enforcement officials to gather strong evidence and pursue a fast-track trial. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also been briefed, with officials indicating that efforts are underway to ensure the case proceeds swiftly in court.